Name Change

In order to initiate a name change, a notarized petition prepared in accordance with the Code of Virginia and Rules of the Virginia Supreme Court must be filed. The petitioner must also provide an order for consideration by the judge. Sample forms for adult and minor name changes are available on this page.

The samples are not meant to be fill in the blank forms; they must be retyped.

File with the Clerk the original petition and order with a stamped self-addressed envelope for a copy of the signed name change order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I legally change my name?As an adult you may petition the Circuit Court in the county where you live. The court will determine whether good cause exists under the circumstances alleged in the petition. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 8.01-217 the following are required in the petition:

The petition must be made under oath. The petitioner must swear to the truth of the allegations in the petition after having been placed under oath by a Notary and that Notary must acknowledge on the petition that you were placed under oath and swore to the truth of the allegations in the petition and that you did sign the petition. A Deputy Clerk in the in the office may instead of a Notary acknowledge the oath if given in the Clerk's presence;

Your place of residence;

The names of both of your parents including the maiden name of your mother;

Your birth date and your place of birth;

Your felony conviction record if any. If none, that must be stated;

Whether you are presently incarcerated or a probationer with any court (if not, that must be stated);

Whether your name has been previously changed (if so, list your former name(s));

Your affirmation that this name change is not sought for any fraudulent purpose and would not infringe upon any rights of others.

Sign petition with your current name (not your requested name).

How do I legally change the name of my minor child?

One or both parents of a minor child may petition the Circuit Court in the county where the child lives. The court will determine whether good cause exists under the circumstances alleged in the petition and whether the change is in the best interest of the child. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 8.01-217 the following are required in the petition:

The petition must be made under oath by parent or parents. The petitioner must swear to the truth of the allegations in the petition after having been placed under oath by a Notary and that Notary must acknowledge on the petition that you were placed under oath and swore to the truth of the allegations in the petition and that you did sign the petition. A Deputy Clerk in the in the office may instead of a Notary acknowledge the oath;

The place of residence of the minor child;

The names of both parents of the minor child including the maiden name of the mother;

The birth date and birth place of the minor child;

The felony conviction record of the minor child. If none that must be stated;

Whether the minor child is presently incarcerated or a probationer with any court (if not that must be stated);

Whether the name of the minor child has been previously changed [if so list the former name(s)];

The parent or parents petitioning must affirm that the name change is not sought for any fraudulent purpose does not infringe upon any rights of others and is in the best interest of the child.

If both parents submit the petition jointly both parents must sign the petition under oath.

In the case of a minor with both parents living, if only one parent files the petition, the parent who does not join in the petition shall be served with reasonable notice of the petition. If he or she objects, a hearing before the judge must be scheduled. It is the responsibility of the petitioner to see that reasonable notice of the petition is served on the other parent. If a name change for a minor is allowed, it does not terminate any of the legal parental rights of a parent.

What should I do after I get my name changed?The Clerk's Office will send you one certified copy of the Order changing your name. If you need additional certified copies of the final order, please complete the copy request form. The fees are below. It is recommended that you contact associates, businesses, and others with whom you have dealings to make them aware of your change of name. Contact your nearest Social Security office to secure the necessary forms to submit for a new Social Security card. Your Social Security number should not change. Social Security should notify the IRS of the change; however, you should verify this with Social Security. More information concerning your name change and Social Security may be found at the U.S. Social Security Administration. You should also notify your local governmental offices including the Voter Registrar's Office and the County Director of Finance or the City’s Commissioner of the Revenue and Treasurer's Office. Do not forget to take your old license, your new Social Security card and a certified copy of the name-changing Order to the DMV to obtain a new operator's license.